Johnson To Sign With Chicago Cubs

June 14, 2011

CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati senior pitcher Nick Johnson (Delphos, Ohio/St. John's) agreed to a free-agent contract with the Chicago Cubs over the weekend.

Johnson, who tied for the team lead with five wins in 2011, appeared in 15 games, including 14 starts, and ended the season with a 5-3 record, 5.48 ERA, with 52 strikeouts in 69 innings pitched.

Twice in '11 Johnson was named to the weekly BIG EAST Honor Roll. His first honor roll recognition followed a seven-inning, nine-strikeout performance against Cleveland State on March 13. He earned his second honor roll after pitching a complete game with eight strikeouts April 10 against Louisville. Johnson did not allow a run until the ninth inning to lead Cincinnati to a 5-2 win over the Cardinals.

Over his four-year UC career, Johnson pitched in 48 games with 32 starts. He compiled a 9-7 record with a 5.29 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 165 innings pitched.

Johnson is the third senior Bearcat to join a Major League Baseball franchise in the past week. Fellow right-hander Dan Jensen (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 20th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft on June 7. The next day, shortstop Chris Peters (Tipp City, Ohio/Tipp City) agreed to a free-agent deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.